How Great Ideas Happen: The Hidden Steps Behind Breakthrough Success
I love books that you’ll want to read and reference again and again. This is one of those books.
Cognitive scientist, professor, and author George Newman has written a fascinatingly clever book on methodical idea formulation. Combining principles from archaeology and art, his book offers truly unique ways to go from stuck to unstuck, or to conjure an idea that puts you on the map.
How Great Ideas Happen is divided into three main sections that follow the discovery process of an archaeological dig. After all, isn’t that how treasures are unearthed? In each section, he shares examples of creative processes that have evolved into familiar works of art, sports, and science, among others. And he details how these practical applications worked for himself, his students, and how they can work for you. Which is much appreciated.
He also explores the notions of talent versus vision and how age or experience come into play—or not.
Through thought-provoking questions, stories, imagery, formulaic templates, perspective-shifting activities, and yes, games, he deconstructs the creative process.
There are many new concepts here (for me) and some that are familiar but nebulous. For example, the notion of parallel discovery or “odds and chance.” How have they played a part in the discovery of revolutionary ideas? Well, I certainly learned more about these creative breakthroughs and what we can glean and apply from these historic achievements. We “idea novices,” can also be guided by the greats who’ve gone before us. From technology to Louvre and onto the gold medal podium, pioneering is not necessarily the only route to eureka! Subtle tweaks in thinking and application may be all that’s required.
The exercises in this book are phenomenal. I mean it. Phenomenal!
They’re not only fun to do, but they’re ingenious, and they actually work! There’s one or more designed for every creative challenge you face. Many are based on the process that renowned figures employed to find genius.
In conclusion, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or pressured to come up with your next ingenious idea? Armed with this book, you’ll uncover creative sparks and novel ideas all around you.
Book and Image Courtesy of Simon & Schuster and Netgalley
